VIDEO: 10 arrested during Rensselaer County welfare fraud sweep; 3 more expected to turn themselves in

Rensselaer County Executive Kathy Jimino and Randy Hall Social Services Commissioner hold a press conference on a welfare fraud sweep was carried out in Rensselaer County arresting 10 indivifduals. (Mike McMahon / The Record)

A fraud sweep aimed at arresting 13 individuals who allegedly stole a collective amount of $150,000 from the county was conducted by the sheriff's department, who apprehended 10 of the suspects. The Rensselaer County Sheriff's Department has contacted the three persons not apprehended and is expecting they will turn themselves in.

"When someone is stealing from these programs, taking these benefits illegally, they are stealing from all of us," said Rensselaer County Executive Kathleen Jimino.

The 13 individuals were targeted by the Department of Social Services for allegedly defrauding programs such as food stamps, Medicaid, and the temporary assistance to families program. Some were identified when the county compared unreported income against people receiving aid, but others were identified through tips from the public.

Three of the 13 targeted are accused of having stolen a total sum in excess of $121,000.

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Scott Sawyer, 39, of Lindeman Way in Poestenskill, alone received $43,241 in Medicaid benefits for which he was not entitled. He has been charged with third-degree grand larceny, third-degree welfare fraud, and five counts of offering a false instrument.

Two of the alleged thieves, Sara Edson, 31, and Jeff Beattie, 46, both of 1437 Johnsonville Rd., are accused of stealing $38,914 through the foodstamp program. Edson was charged with third-degree grand larceny, third-degree welfare fraud, and eight counts of offering a false instrument. She was assisted in defrauding the county by Beattie, who was charged with two counts of offering a false instrument.

Every person apprehended had failed to report income, whether it was from Social Security, unemployment benefits, or childcare. Jimino gave the example of a person in Rensselaer County watching children for someone in Albany County and receiving money for that childcare, but not reporting that income in Rensselaer.

In recent years, the county has witnessed an uptick in public assistance fraud cases, as well as an increase in people applying for welfare. Since 2008, families receiving foodstamps have increased by over 40 percent, with enrollment increases seen in other welfare programs.

"In these economic times there are a lot of people who getting benefits for perhaps the first time in their life because of lay-off situations, et cetera" said Jimino.

In order to better identify persons who have committed welfare fraud, the county is working with the state to create a system wherein county databases can more effectively communicate with one another as to those receiving benefits and those getting paid benefits for others. This would allow the counties to more readily check income information entered on forms for those applying for public assistance.

"If we don't have the full story we don't always know until we get a tip or when we are reviewing our own records," Jimino said.

All of the suspects were processed in Troy City Court and have been ordered to repay at least the amount they are suspecting of stealing. Nine have been released on their own recognizance, with one remanded to county jail.

The county conducts periodic fraud sweeps. A sweep in June of last year targeted 12 individuals who had netted more than $150,000. As Jimino stated: "This is not our first fraud sweep, nor will it be our last."

Charges against the 10 apprehended suspects:

Scott Sawyer, 39, of Lindeman Way in Poestenskill. Allegedly received $43,241 in Medicaid benefits. Charged with third-degree grand larceny, third-degree welfare fraud, and five counts of offering a false instrument.

Sara Edson, 31, and Jeff Beattie, 46, both of Johnsonville Rd., accused of stealing $38,914 through the foodstamp program. Edson was charged with third-degree grand larceny, third-degree welfare fraud, and eight counts of offering a false instrument. She was assisted in defrauding the county by Beattie, who was charged with two counts of offering a false instrument.

Patricia Gillett, 61, of Northern Drive in Troy, accused of stealing $11,875. They have been charged with grand larceny and welfare fraud.

Harold, 64, and Dorothy Williams, 61, of Sixth Avenue in Troy, accused of stealing $11,565. Harold has been charged with third-degree grand larceny, third-degree welfare fraud, and two counts of offering a false instrument. Dorothy has been charged with third-degree grand larceny, third-degree welfare fraud, and two counts of offering a false instrument.

Glenn Forman, 51, of Second Street in Rensselaer, accused of stealing $6,825. He has been charged with grand larceny, welfare fraud, and offering a false instrument.

Leon, 29, and Danielle Johnson, 33, of Ninth Street in Troy, accused of stealing $2,047. Both were charged with grand larceny and welfare fraud.

Arthur Threatt, 67, of Judson Street in Albany, accused of stealing $1,997. He has been charged with third-degree grand larceny, two counts of third-degree offering a false instrument.

Those apprehended were processed in Troy City Court and have or will be fined for the amount they stole.